Different Types of Adhesive Cable Clamps and Their Unique Benefits
Self-adhesive cable clamps come in different styles. Some allow for you to clamp one wire, others more. Adhesives differ too. So which adhesive cable clamps make sense for your application? This guide will explain the basics, even explaining how to properly install them. This guide to adhesive cable clamps covers:
What Are Adhesive Cable Clamps?
Cable clamps are part of cable installation, designed to securely hold cables, wires, or tubing in place on various surfaces. They are commonly used to organise and route cables along walls, ceilings, or other flat surfaces, keeping them neat, tidy, and free from tangling. They're used in everything from automotive wiring and solar energy to organising ethernet cables.
There are different mounting types available, one of which is with an adhesive backing. Other types include screw mounted and plug-in, or snap-in, where a hole has already been devised. Self adhesive cable clamps have a layer of strong adhesive on the backside. This adhesive allows the clamp to firmly attach to a surface without the need for screws or other fasteners.
Easy installation is also why you can get a cable clip, or wire clip, and cable-tie mount with adhesive backing. You might decide cable clips are a more appropriate solution for your application. To find out, check out our Guide to Cable Clips.
The Advantages of Adhesive Cable Clamps
Adhesive cable clamps eliminate the need for drilling holes for fasteners, damaging surfaces or leaving permanent marks. They’re easy to install without the need for any tool. Simply peel off the backing paper to expose the adhesive, press the clamp onto the desired surface, and insert the cables into the clamp's opening.
They’re versatile, and can be affixed to different materials, such as wood, metal, plastic, and even painted surfaces. By securing cables along surfaces, adhesive cable clamps also free up space.
Acrylic vs. rubber adhesives
The most common adhesives for cable clamps are acrylic and rubber. Each has their own advantages, and both can be interchangeable in the applications in which they’re used. But it still helps to take a deeper look at these adhesives, as there will be occasions when you should use one over the other.
Acrylic adhesive has low water absorption, meaning it’s less likely to degrade or weaken when exposed to moisture over time. It also maintains its adhesive strength and integrity, even when subjected to prolonged moisture exposure, making it suitable for damp or humid environments.
Acrylic adhesives can withstand exposure to various chemicals without losing their adhesive properties. This makes them ideal for cable clamps used in industrial settings where exposure to chemicals is common.
What about rubber? Rubber adhesives offer excellent flexibility, which allows them to conform well to irregular surfaces – a benefit when securing cable clamps on surfaces with contours or uneven shapes.
Rubber adhesives have inherent shock-absorbing properties. They can help dampen vibrations and provide added protection to the cables or wires held within the clamp. Rubber is also known for its electrical insulating properties, which can be beneficial when cable clamps are used to secure electrical or communication cables, helping to prevent electrical interference or short circuits. Rubber is also tackier, so that the adhesion to the surface happens faster.
Both are excellent as an adhesive material for cable clamps, and so both can often be used for the same application.
| Acrylic adhesive | Rubber adhesive |
|---|---|
| Higher bond strength | Shock-absorption |
| Moisture resistance | Vibration damping |
| Chemical resistance | Additional electrical insulation |
| UV & weather resistance | Flexibility & faster adhesion |
Examples of Adhesive Cable Clamps
Each type of adhesive cable clamp is designed with features to address particular challenges and provide optimal cable organisation and protection.
Adjustable Adhesive Cable Clamp
Adjustable self-adhesive cable clamps have a ratcheting feature that holds and locks bundles securely. They can be reopened once the tab is released, allowing for routing changes. Also included in our range of adjustable cable clamps are options with a side lock on the top of the clamp that prevents the clip from sliding open. Available in black and natural. Nylon 6/6, UL94 V-0 and UL94 V-2 options. Acrylic adhesive mount.
C-shaped design allows for easy insertion and removal of cables without the need to disconnect them, saving time and effort during cable installation and maintenance. Grey, PVC, UL94 V-0. Acrylic adhesive mount.
Particularly useful in tight spaces or when drilling holes for traditional cable management solutions is not feasible. White. Polyphenylene ether (PPE) and polystyrene (PS), UL94 V1. Rubber adhesive mount.
Can hold three wire leads, such as air conditioner leads. Grey. PVC, UL94 V-0. Acrylic adhesive mount.
Simplicity and flexibility make this clamp an efficient and time-saving cable management solution. Allows for easy removal. Also available in a locking option. Grey. PVC. UL94 V-0. Acrylic adhesive mount.
Quick and simple installation. Retains bundle securely while still being removable. The gentle curved shape of the R-style clamp distributes the pressure more evenly along the cables, reducing the risk of damaging or crimping the cables during installation or use. Grey. PVC. UL94 V-0. Rubber adhesive mount.
How to Choose the Right Adhesive Cable Clamp
Taking these factors into consideration will help you choose adhesive cable clamps that best suit your needs:
- Cable Size and Quantity: Determine the size and quantity of cables you’re working with. Different clamps are designed to hold various cable diameters and numbers, so you need to make sure you get the right size clamp.
- Adhesive Type: Choose an adhesive with the properties best suited to your application. This will involve looking at the environmental factors the adhesive cable clamps will be subject to.
- Removability: Decide whether the clamp needs to be easily removable without leaving residue or damaging the surface. Some adhesives offer easier removal than others.
You can find out more in our Guide to Choosing the Right Cable Clamp.
Best Practices for Installing Adhesive Cable Clamps
Installing adhesive cable clamps properly is essential for effective cable management and preventing any potential damage to the cables or the intended surface you’re attaching to. Here are some best practices for installing adhesive cable clamps:
- Surface Preparation: Before applying the clamp, make sure the mounting surface is clean, dry, and free from dust, oil, or any other contaminants. Cleaning smooth surfaces with rubbing alcohol or a mild detergent can help improve the adhesion.
- Positioning: Plan the cable routing and positioning of the clamps beforehand. Ensure the cables are not excessively stretched or tightly bent to avoid undue stress on the wires.
- Cable Grouping: For multiple cables, you can group them together using cable ties before attaching the adhesive cable clamps. This helps in better organisation and reduces the chance of cables getting tangled.
- Proper Clamp Size: Measure your bundle diameter so that you can select the appropriate sized adhesive cable clamps. Using clamps that are too small may damage the cables or wire bundle, while oversized clamps might not provide adequate support.
- Avoid Blocking Connectors: Place the adhesive cable clamps in a way that they do not obstruct cable connectors or access points. This ensures easy access and maintenance when required.
- Temperature Considerations: Adhesive cable clamps may have specific temperature ranges for proper adhesion. Ensure the installation is done within the recommended temperature range for the adhesive to work effectively.
- Press Firmly: Apply firm pressure on the adhesive base of the clamp when attaching it to the surface. This helps in creating a strong bond between the clamp and the surface.
- Allow Adequate Curing Time: After installing the adhesive cable clamps, allow sufficient time for the adhesive to cure and establish a strong bond. Always follow the manufacturer's instructions for the recommended curing time.
- Avoid Movement: Once the clamps are installed, avoid excessive movement or pulling on the cables during the curing process to prevent the clamps from detaching prematurely.
- Test Before Full Use: Before subjecting the cables to full load or stress, check the adhesion and ensure the clamps are secured in place.
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Free CADs are available for most solutions, which you can download. You can also request free samples to ensure the product you’ve chosen is exactly what you need.
If you’re not quite sure which solution will work best for your application, our experts are always happy to advise you.
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Questions?
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